The Setting: A Divided Empire Under Regents

In the mid-19th century, the Qing Dynasty faced immense challenges both internally and externally. Following the death of the Xianfeng Emperor in 1861, the empire found itself under the regency of two empress dowagers—Cixi and Ci’an—who ruled alongside a coalition of princes and officials during the minority of the Tongzhi Emperor. This period, known as the Tongzhi Restoration, was marked by efforts to stabilize the empire after the devastating Taiping Rebellion and the humiliations of the Second Opium War. The imperial court, however, remained a hotbed of political maneuvering, where alliances shifted like sand and personal rivalries often dictated state policy.

The imperial household operated under strict protocols and hierarchies, with eunuchs playing crucial roles as intermediaries between the inner court and the bureaucracy. Among these eunuchs, a select few gained unprecedented influence by aligning themselves with powerful figures, particularly the ambitious Empress Dowager Cixi. The dynamics of power were delicate, balancing ancient traditions with the pressing needs of a changing world, where every gesture, every gift, and every whispered conversation could carry political significance.

An Unusual Night Procession Sparks Gossip

One evening, an unusual event occurred that would set in motion a chain of political consequences. The two empress dowagers, accompanied by the young emperor and two princesses, returned to the palace along a route illuminated by countless lanterns and torches, creating an effect as bright as daylight. Such processions typically occurred during daytime hours with strict ceremonial protocols, making this nighttime journey highly irregular. The spectacle naturally attracted attention and became the subject of widespread discussion among court officials and Beijing residents by the following day.

When news of these discussions reached the palace, the chief eunuch An Dehai saw an opportunity to ingratiate himself with Empress Dowager Cixi. Known for his cunning and ambition, An Dehai carefully selected which information to share and how to present it to advance his own position while undermining potential rivals. His report focused particularly on critical comments from certain censors and Hanlin academicians—officials known to align with Prince Gong, the influential uncle of the emperor and leader of the Grand Council.

The Art of Manipulation: An Dehai’s Strategic Revelations

Cixi, displeased by the criticism, inquired about the sources of these negative comments. Seizing this opportunity, An Dehai named several officials known to support Prince Gong, while simultaneously flattering the empress dowager by contrasting their criticism with what he claimed was popular praise for her dedication to state affairs and the emperor’s education. He then subtly shifted the conversation toward the luxurious lifestyles of the princes, particularly their frequent entertainment activities.

When Cixi asked specifically about Prince Gong’s activities, An Dehai was prepared with damaging information. He revealed details about Prince Gong’s private garden estate, the Jian Yuan, located near Hou Lake in the Daxiao Xiangfeng neighborhood. The centerpiece of this revelation was a massive crystal mirror installed in a pavilion that reflected the lake with such clarity that it appeared to bring the entire body of water into the garden—a marvel that even surpassed similar installations in the imperial palaces.

The Financial Implications of Power

The conversation took a more serious turn when Cixi questioned how Prince Gong could afford such luxuries despite having refused the double stipend traditionally offered to imperial princes. An Dehai implied that the prince had developed alternative revenue streams, particularly through the institutionalized practice of requiring substantial “door gifts” from officials seeking audiences with him. While these gifts were traditionally kept by household staff, Prince Gong—reportedly upon advice from his father-in-law Gui Liang—had established a system where a portion was directed to the princely household’s accounts to cover substantial expenses.

These expenses included the considerable costs associated with receiving frequent imperial gifts and messengers, each of whom expected generous compensation for their services. While this practice was known to some extent within court circles, An Dehai presented it in the most damaging light possible, suggesting corruption and abuse of power. Cixi stored this information away, deciding to bide her time before acting against her powerful brother-in-law.

The Bureaucratic Battle Over Imperial Resources

As the lunar new year approached, An Dehai saw another opportunity to expand his influence. He presented the Imperial Household Department with an extensive list of items required for New Year celebrations, far exceeding customary allocations. When officials expressed concern about the unreasonable demands, An Dehai cleverly invoked the authority of the empress dowagers, knowing that few would dare challenge what was presented as imperial wishes.

The situation reached a critical point when Prince Gong unexpectedly arrived at the Imperial Household Department offices. Noticing both the extensive account books and An Dehai’s presumptuous presence, he demanded to see the list of requested items. Upon reviewing the extravagant demands, he immediately called for the official regulations that specified appropriate allocations for imperial households—a clear challenge to An Dehai’s overreach and by extension, to Cixi’s expanding demands on state resources.

Cultural Context: Ritual, Power and Face in Qing China

This episode reveals much about Qing political culture during the late imperial period. The exchange of gifts, the bestowal of favors, and the observance of rituals were not merely ceremonial but represented tangible expressions of power relationships. The imperial court functioned as a complex ecosystem of patronage and obligation, where material exchanges symbolized political alignments.

The New Year period held particular significance in this system. As the most important festival in the Chinese calendar, it involved elaborate exchanges of gifts and performances of loyalty. The preparations described here were not merely about practical needs but about demonstrating the splendor and legitimacy of the regime. For Cixi, who had only recently consolidated her power following the Xinyou Coup of 1861, lavish celebrations were particularly important for showcasing stability and prosperity under her leadership.

The role of eunuchs like An Dehai also deserves consideration. While often portrayed simply as corrupt intermediaries, they operated within a system that granted certain individuals exceptional access to the imperial family. Their influence derived from their position as channels of information and communication between the inner court and the bureaucracy. The fact that a eunuch could potentially manipulate relationships between the empress dowager and one of the most powerful princes in the empire speaks volumes about the informal power structures that existed alongside formal bureaucratic systems.

Legacy and Historical Significance

This seemingly minor incident in the winter of 1864-65 foreshadowed much more significant conflicts to come. The tension between Cixi and Prince Gong would eventually lead to his dismissal from all positions of authority in 1865, only to be reinstated later under changed circumstances. Their relationship would remain contentious throughout the Tongzhi period, significantly impacting China’s modernization efforts.

The story also illustrates the gradual erosion of Qing authority through internal corruption and inefficiency. The practices described—the excessive “door gifts,” the manipulation of imperial resources for personal benefit, the inflation of ceremonial expenses—all contributed to the financial difficulties that would plague the late Qing state. While the empire attempted military and administrative reforms during the Tongzhi Restoration, these internal weaknesses ultimately limited their effectiveness.

Furthermore, this episode demonstrates how personal rivalries could shape national policy in an absolute monarchy. The decisions that emerged from these conflicts—about resource allocation, administrative appointments, and even foreign policy—were often influenced by personal animosities and ambitions as much as by strategic considerations. The fact that a conversation about a nighttime procession could evolve into a significant political confrontation reveals the highly personalized nature of Qing governance.

Modern Relevance: Understanding Power Through Historical Lens

The dynamics revealed in this historical episode remain relevant for understanding power structures in any bureaucratic system. The manipulation of information, the strategic use of flattery and criticism, the careful building of alliances, and the calculated attacks on rivals—all find parallels in modern political and corporate environments. The particular vulnerability of systems where formal rules can be bypassed through personal connections remains a challenge in many contexts today.

This story also offers insights into the psychology of power. Cixi’s resentment of Prince Gong’s luxury, while she herself demanded extravagant allocations for palace use, illustrates how those in power often perceive privilege differently when exercised by others. The human tendencies toward jealousy, suspicion, and the desire to maintain control transcend historical periods and cultural contexts.

Finally, the episode serves as a reminder of how historical narratives are often shaped by personal perspectives and agendas. Our understanding of these events comes largely from records kept by court officials, who had their own biases and motivations. The complex interplay between truth and manipulation, between factual events and their interpretation, continues to challenge historians seeking to understand the past.

In conclusion, this seemingly minor incident from the Qing court offers a window into the complex world of late imperial Chinese politics, where personal rivalries, financial pressures, and cultural practices intertwined to shape the destiny of an empire. The lantern-lit procession that began this story was more than just an unusual event—it was the spark that illuminated the fragile relationships and competing ambitions that would ultimately determine the course of Chinese history in the turbulent decades to come.